Why doctrine is important (even if you don't feel theological)

"I don't want to study doctrine," one person said. "I'm tired of doctrine. I want sermons to be short and inspiring — I don't want them to be doctrinal."

I can understand the feeling. Doctrinal arguments can certainly be wearisome, and doctrine can turn people off. Yet I must point out that we still need doctrine — not in the sense of arguments, but in terms of understanding our faith. A "doctrine" is a "teaching," and the important teachings of the church are those relating to truth about God.

Sermons should be inspiring, but the kind of inspiration we need comes not from the speaker's skill, but from truth about God. For example, we can be inspired and have confidence about the future because of what God has done in Jesus Christ. We can be optimistic even in a troubled world because we have been taught about Jesus Christ. Our teachings and beliefs about Jesus are doctrines, truth about God, and the foundation of all that we do.

Enduring Christian faith is not built merely on good feelings, on brief moments of sensing God's presence in the beauty of the creation, or on a short inspirational story once a week. Good feelings and moments of inspiration are indeed wonderful blessings — but those feelings alone cannot lead us into the changed life of unity and reconciliation with God that comes through knowing and believing in Jesus Christ. We need enduring faith, and that is built on knowing and understanding truth about God.'

Read the entire article at:
www.wcg.org/lit/disc/26doctrine.htm